Mohali, Oct 15: Ahead of the series-deciding cricket Test against New Zealand, India's stand-in captain Rahul Dravid today sought to put up a brave front, saying his team would be under no undue pressure and would concentrate on "playing good cricket". Dravid, who will lead the team after Sourav Ganguly was ruled out of the match due to an abscess in the left upper thigh, told reporters here that his players will strive to get the "basics right" which was imperative in the longer version of the game.
"We will concentrate on playing good cricket. Since it is a series-decider, we have to get the basics right and ensure that whatever we plan is implemented," said Dravid who was the pick of the Indian batsmen in the drawn first Test.
Asked whether the Indians will be under pressure to force a result in their favour after the Ahmedabad Test ended in a draw, Dravid said "there is pressure in every game you play. It may be a decider, but it is no different from any other cricket match. You have to play well to win it".
The stylish middle order batsman, who scored a monumental 222 and 73 in the first Test at Ahmedabad, said it was a great honour to lead the side and he would give his best shot to the new assignment.
"Well, its quite exciting to lead the country, although it's just for one match. I am looking forward to the game."
Dravid said captaincy would not put him under any additional pressure as a batsman and he would continue to bat in his usual style. "I don't think captaincy will affect my game".
Bureau Report